The Doctrines of Fire

by C.L. Jarvis

Edinburgh, 1779. An academic rivalry turns deadly.

George Stephens is a lousy medical student. Lacking the social and financial resources to succeed in Edinburgh’s elite medical school, his dream of becoming a physician appears over before it began.

Then George comes to the attention of two famous professors, William Cullen and Joseph Black. Medical students are dying mysteriously - the professors suspect a disgraced former student is to blame - and they need George’s help uncovering the truth. Believing the partnership will bolster his academic standing, George agrees.

Their investigation pulls them into the murkiest, most dangerous corners of Enlightenment Edinburgh. The professors are secret wielders of fire magic, but their foes are courting even darker forces. With violence threatening to erupt, and George struggling to navigate this confusing city, getting justice for the dead will be harder than he imagined.

Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Fiction, Historical

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2023

About the author

CL Jarvis holds a PhD in chemistry and worked as a science journalist, healthcare copywriter, and medical writer before sitting down to write her first novel. Originally from Scotland but living in Philadelphia, USA, she's held together by cat hair and double espressos.

Reviews

[Jamedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally on JamReads

The Doctrines of Fire is the first book in the historical fantasy series The Edinburgh Doctrines, written by CL Jarvis, and one of the SPFBO9 entries. Set in the Enlightenment Edinburgh, we are going to be following the shenanigans and internal fights among the medical community; a book that shows a heavy work of documentation and investigation, creating a really accurate depiction of the historical period.

George Stephens is a medical student, trying to get the social and financial resources to continue his formation in the Edinburgh's medical school; and honestly, that dream seems to be moving away. That's until he gets contacted by two respected professors: William Cullen and Joseph Black; some medical students are dying, and they need George's help to uncover if their suspects are true (a former medical student seems to be related). George accepts, thinking it might bring him closer to the resources he needs to fulfill his dream.

With this premise, we get immersed in the Enlightenment Edinburgh, in the academic life related to Edinburgh's medical school; a setting where Jarvis doesn't spare details to make it as accurate as possible, from historical characters to buildings, and as a medical student myself, I can say the details of dissections and different medical theories were excellently portrayed.
And while a big emphasis is put on the historical part of historical fantasy, we must not forget the fantasy; our professors can wield fire magic, and our principal antagonist, Brown, is investigating the nature of it, taking some risks in order to create a vessel where the phlogiston, the force behind it, can be stored.

The pacing is relatively fast, making this a quick read, that makes you flow through the pages. This comes with a slight problem, as I feel we don't really have time to see the characters evolve through the plot. Nothing big, but I would like to know more about them.

I would like to mention a last detail before closing this review, regarding the body to body fights. It is difficult to make them accurate, especially with the dirtiness they sometimes bring, but Jarvis has nailed them; they feel realistic, describing perfectly some sensations attached to them.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a really well research historical fantasy novel, The Doctrines of Fire is a perfect election for you. I'm really happy to read the next books in the series, as I suspect we will explore more powers and elements, and the accuracy is simply outstanding.

[K.D. Marchesi · Rating 4 out of 5]

CL Jarvis absolutely delivers in this witty historical fantasy inspired by a real life academic rivalry that took place in the 1800's.

It's a little bit Sherlock Holmes with a dash of dark magic, from a fresh new voice.

What really stood out to me was the care which has gone into the accuracy of the language used for the time period, the science behind the doctrines and the awkwardness that can come from petty academic squabbles.

For fans of PJ Nwosu's Dream of Death City, you are going to love this.

[Bookish Satty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story especially the characters and the setting. The magic system is unique too and very well explained. Would definitely recommend this book to fans of mystery and historical fiction.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Doctrines of Fire is a medical historical fiction/fantasy set in Edinburgh 1779.
This is a dark mystery with a unique magic system.
There's two more books, I'll probably read those.
The author's note at the end was interesting too, as it gives you some history about some of the real-life characters who appear in this book.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fantasy meets murder mystery in this gripping, atmospheric read. I loved the setting, Edinburgh in 1779 makes for an intriguing background that is very well rendered. Clearly a lot of research went into this book, and several prominent characters are actual historical figures, with a real life academic rivalry (albeit ramped up and infused with magic) serving as a major plot point. The fantasy elements were nicely woven into the existing framework of the worlds of science and medicine. While the pace lagged a little in the middle, on the whole this was an entertaining ride. Glad to see two sequels planned - I'll certainly be checking them out.

*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***

[Terri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got to 29% in, primarily on the hope that it would get more interesting. It has not. Disjointed scenes, characters who sound like caricatures of historic people, and a lack of plot movement. None of this is interesting. I was even bored when I tried skimming rather than reading, which... is not a good sign. Not a series for me.

[Jeneane Vanderhoof · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Doctrines of Fire is the first book in a new series by C.L. Jarvis that transports readers to 1776 Edinburgh, which is located in Scotland. Amazingly, Jarvis has been able to combine earlier Science and magic in this story that will take readers in and make them devour the words before them. A description of a character, early on in the book, one that will probably not be a big part of it, was what really made me know I would like this read. C.L. Jarvis describes a lodging owner for readers, one where the boys who go to the local college stay. “She was a small, white-haired woman who subsisted, as most English landladies did, on overcooked vegetables and other people’s private business.” Such a lively, humorous and very correct description of what I would believe the lodging ladies to be like, at the time, made me chuckle and settle in what I knew would be a good time.

Two Professors, Joseph Black and William Cullen are central to the book. Both are Professors, Black of Chemistry and Cullen a Professor of Physics. Right away readers learn that one always makes up for where the other lacks, when learning that Cullen has better hearing and Black, the advantage of better sight. The book continues much the same way for these central characters, where one fails the other succeeds (and vice versa). Black prefers the simple answers and solutions, Cullen the more classical, ornate ones. Even in the way that they look, Cullen, stock and lively, Black tall, thin, graceful. Black has a pale complexion, Cullen a hearty one. As the two very much care for one another and Black finds himself drawn into the matter as severely as he is only because he does not like to see his colleague, and good friend (readers surmise), so agitated about murders that no one seems to see or believe, other than Cullen and maybe, with more proof, Black.

From the beginning, Cullen suspects that something “magical” is going on with the murdered victims. That, the night before they die, these victims somehow have become a part of a ritual, with members who, in using the individual for the ritual, ultimately cause the person’s death the next day, are essentially the killer(s). Black himself thinks that it could be a ritual or a medical procedure gone wrong but, without any evidence found, he is not ready to jump to conclusions. Therefore the two find themselves sneaking around the College of Surgeons looking for any clues about what has gone on with the person’s who have died, been murdered. Knowing how hard it is for the pair to go sneaking around and explain why they are in certain places when they should not be, the two professors come up with a plan to engage a student with them, in their search for clues to the murders, the right one able to get around questions and answers more easily than the pair of skilled and learned Doctors. For instance, if caught sneaking around the College of Surgeons, all a student has to say is that they made the wrong turn, got lost, and all would be understood; the two Doctors, unable to feign ignorance when others know who they are, what they do know and do not.

George Stevens had been a disillusioned English soldier in America before he came to Edinburgh College. When it was suggested he become a Doctor, a surgeon, Mr. Pearson recommended the college to the boy though he himself was very much against the “conservative” and stuffy manner of the insular education, George enrolls but money is very tight from his family and he has a hard time expanding the purse strings when more classes and lectures are recommended. George believed the other students would treat him with reverence, because of his military service and experience, like those who are wounded in battle who are always listened to, in silence from those that gather around them at dusty taverns; however, George finds himself treated with silence from the other students and, after learning of the military exploits, deduced in their minds to that of those with the status of “manservant” or “costermonger”.

—-------- A side note here, costermonger being a new term, I looked it up and it is simply a person who sells goods, especially fruits and vegetables, from a handcart in the street. (def. From the Oxford dictionary online). But, this term and others used in the book show the way in which Jarvis does such a wonderful job submerging readers into the period, teaching me new vocabulary and terms that we don’t see used in the world any longer, for many various reasons.

For Cullen and Black, George is the best candidate for their “student investigator”. It is not just that he is smart and willing to learn, but that Stevens has lived among death, seen life and the end of it in a way none of the other young students have, that makes him the perfect candidate to help the two Professors with this “mysterious scenario”. A funny part of the story is that when the two professors invite Stevens to dinner, to reveal things to the young man, they send along an invitation and books, to study in preparation…for the dinner. And, no matter how far in the past a dinner invitation is sent, that is it accompanied with “study materials' ' well, that has never been any kind of norm, in any society or culture. However, I must state that this is not in err from the author, but just how odd (and unique) working with the older Professors will be. Personally, I would love to be sent books to study from in preparation for such a dinner (Lucky boy)!

As a reader, I really felt for the character of George, the way in which Jarvis depicted him. That he comes from “farm stock” prevented him from having access to books, libraries and private tutors which would have given him the basis for his education, like all of his peers. That he has to start with very little learning and then, it seems, the main barrier to George gaining as much knowledge as he can, is the fee that is charged, it seems, for everything. While I’m sure there were enrollment fees for the college (which the author does not touch on really, as there is no need) that, at the time, each instructor or Professor charged for lectures, that seemed a barrier that George could not overcome. And that each fee came from his family, everything he survived on, made it all the more harder for the boy to ask, a very enduring trait, especially in today’s society where children seem to ask and expect everything.

It was when Jarvis described how George felt about his clothing, however, that really touched me, or rather when Black reveals his impression on how George felt about his clothing, “but the boy seemed uncomfortable in his worn clothes, aware of their inadequacy but powerless to conceal them.” C.L Jarvis is a magician when emotionally attaching readers with characters, it seems, able to break my heart with the smallest of descriptions.

The two Professors then tell George their plight. Three students have died. Their symptoms seem to suggest they have died from the use of Phlogiston. Although in books readers are told, as George learns, that Phlogiston is what comes from the act of burning metals, wood or a match, it is what is released in that burning and what can be re-instilled by reacting it with a phlogen-rich substance. The Professors further George’s education with some of the studies done by a former student, colleague, and good friend who they now are said to not be in good standing with. This former friend is Professor Brown who works and studies Phlogiston at the college (and another lecture that was too taxing on the purse for George to attend though he does not share this fact with the professors, endearing him again, to readers).

The Professors expound on what most people know and what George himself has learned of the topic of Phlogiston when they tell him that it exists in man, as well. Man is capable of having Phlogiston and releasing it, it seems, through fire and kinetic energy. Cullen goes even further when he demonstrates that it can be done. It seems that Brown too, can expel Phlogiston and that the three students that have died, the symptoms seem the same (at least for two of them), the Professors think they were artificially induced, rather than an illness (when they fell ill in one day, all completely healthy the day before). All three that are now dead, supported Brown, which points the finger directly back at the man. Also, that the students all die so quickly that the Professors don’t even hear they have fallen ill, until they have died, makes everything even harder and is one of the many reasons they want George to be involved.

For George to help the Professors solve the crime, will he learn to control Phlogiston, as the Professors suggest? Will he even want to get involved, at all? Is there even a crime occurring? Or, in the end, will this be something bigger than even the Professors, George, anyone could have thought? Readers need to seek out The Doctrines of Fire, to find the answers.

Happy Reading!

[Alyssia Cooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Doctrines of Fire is a solid medical historical mystery with fantasy elements tied in well, to make the world a little more magical. With medical students dropping dead of mysterious fevers, two famous professors of the time enlist George Stephens to the cause as eyes and ears around the faculty and students. They are fairly confident that John Brown is behind the deaths. They even have an inkling that phlogiston, or a form of fire magic, is directly linked. What they don't know is why or how.

What I really liked here was how much historical detail was included here and how events are loosely based on real events. Cullen and Black were very real professors and they were involved in a contentious medical rivalry with Brown, who developed a medical system known as Brunoniasism (both narcissism and unpronounceable) that directly conflicted with Cullen's. The focus of this dispute has been changed to phlogiston and how it fits into medical theory, but the attention to detail is notable, both in the personal relationships and in the detail of medical discussion. The setting is also brought to life, both in terms of physical buildings and the lives of the people living in them.

The characters come to life, and with them the narrative. There's a neat mystery threaded through this; one in which we know the villain throughout and the real mystery is in the details. How are the medical students dying? Why? And what is the end goal? Despite being fairly confident on the how and perhaps the why, the details were what kept this alive. And the end goal was not within my sights until the author deigned to conclude it for me. Where this excels is the historical mystery element, bringing the time and the people to life. The fantasy elements are there, but very much hidden under scientific discussion and medical theories.

So if you like historical mysteries with a decent amount of tension and action and minimal magic, this may well be novel for you. I liked how magic and science were interwoven, building new fantastical elements into existing medical history and theories. The medical side of it is an interest of mine, so the combination made for fascinating reading.

[Verity Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

No direction

I was really hoping for better things from this book, to the point that I kept reading, thinking that maybe it was just getting a slow start. But although there's eventually some physical action, the story itself never goes anywhere.

A big part of the problem is that we never actually learn what the substance of the disagreement between the protagonists and the bad guy is. The characters are apparently based on real historical figures, who clearly disagreed in real life (how, we're never told) about medical theory and practice. Then you've got the added fantasy layer of magical practice that they disagree about. But while the author occasionally does info-dumps, none of them shed a lot of light on why these people are at odds.

Eventually we find out that the bad guy has been dabbling in some darker form of magic, which the professors thought they wiped out when they were younger, which gives the plot enough impetus for an action climax. But this still doesn't explain the basic conflict of the story.

Nor does it help that the George is miserably self-doubting. Dr. Black hovers on the edge of becoming interesting, but the missing background info is an obstacle. The middle-aged Russian princess is, in many ways, the most interesting and memorable character, and she doesn’t appear until halfway through.

I'm giving this three stars because it wasn't actively bad. But the story that was hiding in here never came out.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Doctrines of Fire is an intriguing and ambitious start to The Edinburgh Doctrines series. Set against a dark and moody backdrop, the book introduces a world where elemental forces, ancient secrets, and political tensions simmer just beneath the surface.

The world-building is a clear strength here. The author paints a vivid and often atmospheric picture of Edinburgh infused with arcane energy and hidden power struggles. The concept of elemental doctrines, especially fire, adds a fresh and creative twist to the usual fantasy formula. The lore feels layered and thought-out, even if it's a bit dense in places.

Character development is decent, with a few standouts who genuinely carry the story forward. While not every character is fully fleshed out, the main protagonist offers enough complexity to keep readers engaged. Dialogue can be uneven, but there are moments where it truly shines and deepens the emotional stakes.

The pacing is somewhat inconsistent — the first half takes its time building momentum, and some scenes feel longer than necessary. However, things pick up considerably toward the climax, with a payoff that hints at richer developments in the sequels.

Overall, The Doctrines of Fire is a good entry into a promising series. It’s not perfect, but fans of dark urban fantasy and elemental magic will likely find enough here to keep turning the pages — and looking forward to Book 2.

[Ralph Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This ARC was given to me by Booksirens.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

The story description and basic cover art brought my interest to bear when I requested this book. As I started it, I was immediately pulled into the story, and remained there most of the day as I pretty much read this in one sitting. Usually I am not one for historical fiction, but the author's telling of this tale, and the story itself were very well written.

The use of magic in this historical setting of the medical college in Edinburgh, is quite complicated, and just .... weird. I forget the term they used to describe it, but, as with much of the story, the word used fit in with all the other miscellaneous Latin jargon one would expect at a medical college in the past. Add in a mystery, an old rivalry, and some jealousy, you get this story.

I loved the plot twists, the wording specifically that fit with what I would guess Scots would pronounce words, and the 'high-bred' speech of professors of the time period in a medical college. Add in that our main character, George, was a "late" student, having served in the military prior to being accepted to the college. Plus, he, like many of us in this day and age, struggled financially to stay in school. Yeah. Just a great story. I see it is listed as a 'book one' so looking forward to more from this author.

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Waiting outside the Dispensary for a carriage, a chill Edinburgh wind providing sweet relief to his burning skin, Black opened his hand and let the phlogiston slip out. The translucent flames danced down the street into nothingness.” - This scene popped into my mind so vividly when I read it. Dr. Black, a dark silhouette against the darker stones, flames the color of dragonfly wings swirling from his hands off into the night. The touch of the ephemeral amidst the stark reality of late 1770s Edinburgh.

This book was delightfully atmospheric and very much a historical fantasy (although you do not have to be a history buff to enjoy it). It was also subtle, never spoon-feeding me information, but rather allowing me to discover it on my own. I’ll admit, sometimes that left me feeling as confused as George, the story’s soldier turned medical student, but it wasn’t the frustrating kind of confusion. Rather it was the same confusion that one has when looking at the first pieces of a puzzle and wondering how such different things will all fit together.

The story jumped around a little in some places, but that didn’t make it any less intriguing. The characters were interesting and I am looking forward to reading more about them.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. But that didn’t stop me from preordering it as well.

[M.L. Dunker · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic story! The Doctrines of Fire is listed as historical fiction but there is so so much more going on. I fell headlong into Edinburgh during the Georgian era. I loved the dense prose, the immersion into early medical training, and understanding how class and coin made such a difference in the lives of the people at the time. (Really, the "Running of the Scoundrels" was just delightful.)

We follow the story through the eyes of George Stephens, a medical student completely out of his league in the Edinburgh medical school. We learn, as he does, of the long simmering feud between Cullen and Black and the Brunonians, led by Dr. Brown. We dig deep into the medical and magical investigations, common thoughts and theories of the age of enlightenment, the expulsion of Russian aristocrats, and so much more.

This book reminded me of Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, or even the uneasy ambience of a Daphne du Maurier or Kate Morton selection.

This book will be published February 2023, I received an ARC from BookSirens in exchange for my honest review.

[Tom Mock]

This is not a full review. I read through the beginning of all 300 SPFBO9 contest entries. This was a book I wanted to read more of.

An Edinburg medical student has been murdered and two professors look for clues suspecting some secret society has had a hand in the death.

I think the prose is strong, the dialogue is natural, and the details we get are interesting. This is the work of a competent writer.

I will say I’m having a hard time sinking into the narrative. The fact that a student is dead isn’t delivered with much punch, & I don’t know what the circumstances of the death are to justify these two (old?) professors snooping around where they shouldn't, looking for clues.

Being told those details from the outset would have gone a long way towards pulling me into the story. Some more details about these particular professors as well would help a lot too.

That said, the promise of magic (by nature of being in SPFBO) and the historical murder mystery aspect of the plot has me intrigued. A little rocky on story, but well written otherwise. I want to see where this goes. I’m in.

[E.L. Haines · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kept reading, because I maintained hope that the author would pay off some of the hints that she was constantly introducing, but after about a third of the book I gave up. It's hard to tell what the core conflict is; apparently some professors have a radically different doctrine than other professors, and this leads to violence. The differing points are never detailed. Every new element hints at promise, but we're often let down. I had just learned about the 'dark chymists' who might be thieves, might be magicians, or might be both... but I don't know how much longer I would have to read in order to find out.

There's a lot of description about some academic matters, but not a lot of description about the truly fascinating plot points. The narrative perspective shifts between a student and a professor too frequently and rapidly for the reader to really become intimate with either character.

There's promise in this story, but unfortunately I'll have to discover it when I'm much more patient. For now, I'm shelving this - not as a DNF, but as a book to revisit in the future.

[Rahul Pati · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recently had an urge to read something mysterious in an old English setting. Stumbled upon The Doctrines of Fire which was perfect to scratch that itch.

It's a historical fantasy novel, placing actual historical characters in a fantasy setting. Although I am not aware of the actual history of the characters, hence I read this as a regular fantasy novel. What I liked most about this novel was the setting and atmosphere of the story, the interaction between the characters and the slow, almost lazy pace of the unraveling mystery. The fantasy element or magic is fairly low and contained. The stakes are low and very local to the characters and their environment. The climax and ending was well tied up and satisfactory with options left open for sequel. It can very well be read as a standalone if one doesn't want to continue with the other books.

My urge for reading such a story having been satisfied for now, I am not in a hurry to pick up another book with these characters. But I'll definitely return to the series some day.

[OldBird · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical/magical dark Scottish historical tales is a twisted not-quite mystery. It's evokative and descriptive when it comes to the academic studies of medical students in 1700s Edinburgh, mixing up strange magcal-realism elements with underground dealings.

While I loved the historical setting and dark academic rivalries, I never quite understood what the stakes were. It left me with some pretty open questions.

1) What were Cullen and Brown's doctrines? How did they differ? (My guess after finishing is that Cullen is for tried-and-tested medical and reserved magical intervention, why Brown is all about "the more the better" approach to everything)
2) Who were the dark alchemysts? Who was the princess? I feel like I should have known about them before as they weren't really introduced.
3) Did everyone know about phlogiston, or was it secret? It's implied that the many of the wealthy and academic know of it, but some others don't?

I wish we'd got a bit more background info on these people and concepts.

[Korinne Tande · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this is historical fantasy, I am once again in awe of the amount of historical research that goes into writing a fictional account of something that takes place with magical characters existing within a story that is so intriguing. I sometimes wondered if what I was reading was real or coming from the imagination of the author. I believe a good fantasy is just that - one that makes the reader wonder whether or not an event in a story could actually happen (or has happened.) I enjoy books written about this time period and this book did not disappoint. As such, I enjoyed the background and historical information found within the story. I found myself taking notes at times to make sure I kept the characters and storyline clear as there is quite an array of characters, plenty of danger and mystery, and a compelling story of friendship. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christina Frøkjær · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love fantasy, science, and historical fiction - and with The Doctrines of Fire, I get all of them in one book.

Our story is set in Edinburgh in 1779 and has a main plot of academic rivalry that turns deadly.

This book was great.

I liked the choice of location and the way it was written made it easy to picture the scenes in my mind as I read. Even though I never visited Edinburgh. I found the characters interesting, and I liked the mix of science, medicine, and magic.

I noticed I found the plot a little slow in the middle, but I also did not find this to be negative because I was enjoying the overall atmosphere of the story. It was just an observation I made as I read.

This was the first in a series with two more books announced and I would definitely be interested to read more in this series, so I will keep an eye out for more information on them.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a great start to the Edinburgh Doctrines series, it does a great job in a historical fantasy. I enjoyed the use of Edinburgh, 1779 and thought it worked in the plot. CL Jarvis does a great job in creating interesting characters in George Stephens and the rest of the cast. It worked well with what was set and I'm excited for the next book in this series.

"In reality, the school of medicine was more like a loose confederation. They struggled the same way the disparate American colonies struggled to achieve unified action, which was why Black was cynical the colonists’ rebellion would hold. None of the professors subscribed to the same medical theories; in fact, they often diverged dramatically."

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strange science. Interesting read and timeframe. Two professors, one of chemistry and one of all I can think is Medicine, are investigating the deaths of promising students by strange means that the university refuses to involve itself in. Another so called professor appears to be involved but they aren't sure how and so the two involve another student to act as their eyes and ears, to try and get to the bottom of the mystery. Violence ensues, dark chymstry is used, and they have the unlikely assistance of a Russian princess! Rather unhinged in the telling, but it holds together somehow. And in the end, good wins.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edinburgh 1779. An Academic rivalry turns deadly.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the choice of location and the way it was written made it easy to picture the scenes in my mind as I read . I found the characters interesting and I liked the mix of science,medicine and magic.

I did notice that I found the plot a little slow in the middle but I also did not find this to be a negative because I was enjoying the overall atmosphere of the story it was just an observation I made as I read.

This was the first in a series with two more books announced and I would definitely be interested to read more in this series so I will be keeping an eye out for more information on them.

I received an ARC copy from Booksirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Caitlyn (delightful.reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Doctrines of Fire is a mash-up of history, fantasy, and dark academia.

Centered on soldier turned medical student, George, the story begins with Doctors Black and Cullen investigating the mystery deaths of medical students. The doctors believe a fellow professor, Dr. Brown, is responsible and seek to find a way to stop the deaths and his dangerous teachings.

All in all, this was a great read! It's very atmospheric and merges history with fantasy rather well. There's flashbacks and twists throughout that help you piece together what exactly is going on. I really enjoyed the mystery parts and the characters in this, too!

Many thanks to the author and Book Sirens for an eARC of The Doctrines of Fire!

[Brenda Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Well well well. I picked this book because I thought it sounded like a good story. Which it is! But behold its written to actually portray historical society in the 18th century. This may not be a shock for some but for me the accuracy was astonishing. What I thought was going to be an interesting read, which it was, came with a lot of fun little quips and an interesting take of "magical capabilities" but in a scientific way. I loved this!!!! This is so far from what I normally pick for reading and it was amazing.

[Vina Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading this book. It starts a bit slow, but once it picks up, the twists and turns keep coming and you'll never see what's about to happen. I felt so surprised when the plot took a turn I hadn't anticipated, which I like. I also enjoyed the action and how the flow from chapter to chapter kept me wanting more. Once I'd hit the end, I was sad it was over. I look forward to more of these books, if there are more. The only reason I didn't give five stars was because I felt a disconnect from the cover and the book. Otherwise, this was a fantastic read.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this murder mystery meets historical fantasy by CL Jarvis.

You really feel immersed in the time period from the way the characters speak and behave to the contemporary literary references dotted in there, such as Gulliver's Travels and Fanny Hill. This author has more than done their research and their passion for the Edinburgh and the time period really shines through the pages.

I think people who enjoyed Jonathon Strange and Mr Norrell, and The Embroidered Book would enjoy this as it winds the lives of real people into a wonderful fantasy novel. I am excited to see where the story goes in the next book.

[Jacque Souders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into this book. It seemed unnecessarily wordy at the beginning. But I did begin to follow it about a third of the way through. I didn’t love it but eventually it was a decent read.